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NEWCASTLE 'OLD TOWN' 1997

. PART OF AUS:rRALIA'S NATIONAL HERITAGE
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DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION

NEWCASTLE CONCERNED CITIZENS COMMITTEE

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NEWCASTLE OLn TOWN

PART OF AUSTRALIA'S NATIONAL HERITAGE

A COMMUNITY

VISION AND STRATEGY

March 1992

NEWCASTLE CONCERNED CITIZENS

COMMITTEE

P.O. Box 5017, Newcastle West, NSW 2302

 PREFACE

'Newcastle Old Town' was released as a draft Vision and Strategy early in
August 1991 in an attempt by community representatives to play a constructive
role in the revitalisation of the city, moving from what was sometimes perceived
as a confrontational approach on issues such as the fate of individual buildings
and sites, to trying to achieve a consensus on broad strategies that might
preempt the outbreak of major controversies.

Over the past six months comments have been received from many individuals
and organisations. Constructiv discussions have been held with Newcastle City
Council, Newcastle Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Newcastle Trades
Hall Council. While there. remain. some points of difference, the response has
been overwhelmingly positive.

Release of 'Newcastle Old Town' coincided with release by Council of its own
Central Area Strategy, covering the whole central city area. The Newcastle
\ Concerned Citizens Committee advised Council that it accepted the aims and
objectives of the Central Area Strategy and would welcome the opportunity to
work with Council to try and determine an approach to implement the Old
.r; Town strategy within that framework. Discussions have been held and these
matters are now the subject of more detailed study by Council officers and
aldermen.

Accordingly, it now seems timely to re-issue the Vision and Strategy to take
account of public and professional comment and to update it in the light of
recent events.

Newcastle Concerned Citizems Committee

Committee Members:

Rosemary Beckett, Rosalie Cogger, Howard Dick, Judith Gatland, Margaret Henry,
Cynthia Hunter, Doug Lithgow, Keith Parsons, Pat Peck, Judy Wells

also representing the following commlllnity organisations:

Newcastle Civic Association and affiliated resident groups, Hunter Region Community
Forum, Northern Parks and Playgrounds Movement
 IMPLEMENTATION

Publication of this Vision and Strategy, following a six-month period of public

comment and discussion, completes merely the initial stage in implementing
what we hope will become a Five Year Plan for conservation and revitalisation
of Old Town.

The outcome of discussions with Newcastle City Council on how to integrate

the Old Town strategy with Council's Central Area Strategy will determine the
next stage of implementation. Newcastle Concerned Citizens Committee is now
working with Council to enable the Vision and Strategy to be endorsed in
principle as the means of implementing the aims and objectives of the Central
Area Strategy in the East End.

It is envisaged that the next step wiH be for Council and other interested parties
to set the year 1997, the 200th anniversary of Lieutenant Shortland's landing
and discovery of coal at the mouth of the Hunter River, as a target for achieving
the short- and medium-term aims for conservation, interpretation and
revitalisation of Old Town. With the year 1997 as a target, it will be necessary
to determine a Five Year Plan for implementing the Old Town Strategy with an
allocation of responsibilities and priorities among the three levels of
government, commercial interests and community organisations.

Much can be achieved within a five-year planning horizon because, unlike

Honeysuckle which is largely a bare site, the Old Town strategy does not
depend upon construction of new buildings. What is required is the creation of
a climate of confidence that encourages investment' in restoration and
interpretation of existing buildings and their knitting together by modest public
and commercial investments in shops, eating places and amenities plus cultural
activities to attract people and restore Old Town's vitality.

Just as the Foreshore Plan changed the face of Newcastle and the perceptions
of both Novocastrians and visitors, the Newcastle Concerned Citizens
Committee is confident that successful implementation of a Five Year Plan for
Old Town will establish Newcastle as one of Australia's leading destinations for
heritage tourism.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMINARY

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES
A HISTORIC PLACE
PAST THREATS
THE VISION

PART A: GENERAL STRATEGIES

HERITAGE CONSERVATION STRATEGY

HERITAGE INTERPRETATION STRATEGY
CULTURAL STRATEGY
COMMERCIAL STRATEGY
NEIGHBOURHOOD STRATEGY
TRAFFIC STRATEGY
TOURISM STRATEGY

PART B: PRECINCT STRATEGIES

FORESHORE PRECINCT
PACIFIC PARK PRECINCT
COMMERCIAL PRECINCT
MARITIME PRECINCT
HILL PRECINCT

PART C: SITE STRATEGIES

CONVICT STOCKADE
CUSTOMS HOUSE
NEWCASTLE STATION
NORTH WING (RNH)
HERITAGE CENTRE/PUBLIC WORKS BUll..DINGS
FORT SCRATCHLEY
PILOT STATION
CONVICT GAOL
lAMES FLETCHER HOSPITAL
CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL
 STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

WHY 'OLD TOWN'?

Newcastle 'Old Town' is based on the area of the original Government Town, lying to
the east of Brown Street and incorporating the old Central Business District, the
residential communities of Newcastle East and The Hill and the recreational areas of the
Foreshore, city beaches and King Edward Park.

In the context of modern urban planning, the term 'Old Town' (German = altstadt)
emphasises the need for planning strategies to distinguish between the heritage and the
modern precincts of the city.

Newcastle's Old Town has an identity very different from that of the more modern
precincts of Civic and Honeysuckle.

WHY A VISION AND STRATEGY FOR NEWCASTLE 'OLD TOWN'?

Old Town's separate identity demands a vision that recognises and protects its character
and needs and provides a basis for a focused planning strategy that will restore its vitality
and allow it to play a leading role in the revitalisation of the city centre.

Such a vision and strategy can complement the planning of adjacent precincts and ensure
a circulation of people along the full length of the axis from Honeysuckle and Civic
through the Mall to Newcastle East.

With clearly defined precincts and good rail and bus links, Newcastle's linear form can
be turned to advantage.

WHY A COMMUNITY VISION AND STRATEGY?

Inner city residents seek to be involved in the planning decisions which affect their future.
Popular commitment to a planning strategy is the best assurance that it will work.
 A HISTORIC PLACE

In 1997 Newcastle will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the European 'discovery' of the
Hunter River and of coal by Lieutenant John Shortland. On his original 'eye sketch' he
noted the Aboriginal encampments in the Honeysuckle area and on the northern side of
the river. Shortland camped overnight on the original foreshore, where he discovered
seams of coal beneath what is now Fort Scratchley. Very soon, ships were putting in to
load coal from what became known as Colliers Point.

Permanent settlement began in 1804 when officers, soldiers and convicts laid out a
Government Town on the peninsula at the southern entrance to the Hunter River.

Situated at the gateway to the Hunter Valley, Old Town has always had a distinctive
maritime setting. Its familiar marker is Nobbys, originally a high island at the mouth of
the river but long since connected to the mainland by the convict-built breakwater
(Macquarie Pier) and later cut down in height for erection of a lighthouse. Flagstaff Hill,
since reshaped as Fort Scratchley, has been a strategic lookout and natural fortification
since the early days of settlement.

Although little remains of the original buildings, the layout of Old Town can still be
identified as the basis of the modern city. The built environment can easily be related to
our varied history of convicts, cedar, coal, steel, shipbuilding, electricity and now
aluminium, some of these products still providing the lifeblood of one of Australia's
busiest ports.

As the Bicentenary approaches, we need to rediscover our history, to appreciate and better
conserve the heritage that has survived, and to enjoy and share with visitors the unique
experience that is Newcastle.
 PAST THREATS TO OLD TOWN

Many of the historic sites, buildings and precincts of Old Town have survived only
because unsympathetic development plans have failed to go ahead.

For example, the Northumberland County Plan of 1948-56 would have destroyed
Newcastle East just as it destroyed Wickham as a residential community. As shown in
the diagram below, this plan envisaged that the railway land in Newcastle East would be
cleared for commercial use, surrounded by and interspersed with carparks, and would
include a new railway station. Gazetted in 1960, this development zoning remained in
force until the 1980s, when the present Foreshore Plan was adopted.

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In the 1970s, inner city residents opposed plans for 'slum clearance' and high-rise
apartments. A long-running campaign backed up by Newcastle Trades Hall Council
'green bans' led to the formation of residents' groups which are still active today.

A turning point in relations between residents and Council came in 1981 when Council
initiated the Newcastle Harbour Landscape and Urban Design Competition. This process
resolved many of the long controversial planning issues in Newcastle East and brought
about the Foreshore Park of which the city is now so justly proud.

When the appointment of an administrator in 1984 temporarily eliminated the vital

democratic link between the Community and Council, some of the old antagonisms began
to reemerge. The disaster of the earthquake was a further untimely blow to the fabric of
the city's heritage. Insurance funds were too often withdrawn for other investments
instead of being ploughed back into restoration of old buildings. State and Federal
governments were also slow to commit funds for restoration.

Fortunately, there are encouraging signs that Newcastle is now learning from the
experience of other cities that heritage conservation and interpretation can be the key to
urban revitalisation. Council's Urban Design Code is now a basis for planning decisions
in heritage zones. Moreover, Council's Central Area Strategy provides a framework for
coordinated planning of the main central precincts according to their distinctive features
and location.
 A VISION FOR NEWCASTLE 'OLD TOWN'

1. Newcastle's original Government Town recognised as a historic

precinct of national importance.

2. The natural and heritage features of this precinct protected and

sympathetically enhanced so that it becomes a unique destination
for visitors from near and far.

3. Commercial projects within this precinct that are, by design and

function, sensitive to its setting and character.

4. Pacific Park recognised and developed as the Old Town's central

gathering place.

5. Newcastle East designated an 'urban village', that maintains its

character and vitality as a diverse residential community.

6. The streets of The Hill protected from commercial intrusion and

intensive redevelopment.

7. Old Town mainly a pedestrian precinct with harmonious

streetscapes. Good access by public transport, including rail.
Discouragement of heavy vehicles, through traffic and non-
resident parking.

8. Planning of Old Town precinct carried out with the active

involvement of those who live and work there.

9. This Vision to be accepted as a community consensus and in large

part realised by 1997.
 PART A

GENERAL STRATEGIES

HERITAGE CONSERVATION STRATEGY to identify and protect

our unique inheritance

HERITAGE INTERPRETATION STRATEGY to present and

explain our heritage

CULTURAL STRATEGY to restore bustle and interest to Old Town.

COMMERCIAL STRATEGY to tap private initiative and capital to

provide the necessary shopping, eating, drinking, entertainment and
accommodation facilities

NEIGHBOURHOOD STRATEGY to recognise the contribution of

adjacent residential communities and enhance their environment and
amenity

TRAFFIC STRATEGY to optimise accessibility whilst protecting the

environment

TOURISM STRATEGY to present and promote to visitors the

attractions of Old Town

THESE STRATEGIES INTERLOCK AND REINFORCE EACH

OTHER AND ARE IMPLEMENTED THROUGH:

HERITAGE PRECINCT STRATEGIES (PART B)

SITE STRATEGIES (PART C)

 HERITAGE CONSERVATION STRATEGY

PROBLEM

Newcastle has yet to emerge as a heritage centre of national importance. 'Heritage' is still
often seen to be an unwelcome constraint or a matter of a few listed buildings rather than
the character and integrity of a whole precinct as moulded by its history.. Even some
classified buildings remain under threat of demolition or desecration. The clear lessons
of The Rocks (Sydney), Williamstown (Melbourne), Port Adelaide, Fremantle and a host
of overseas examples have yet to be applied in Newcastle.

OPPORTUNITY

Newcastle's distinctive urban form has emerged from the interaction between the natural
landforms and human settlement since Aboriginal times.

The landform - Nobbys Island, Flagstaff Hill (Fort Scratchley), the Sand Hills (Newcastle
East), the Hunter River estuary and Newcastle Hill - has been moulded by a rich history
of convicts, cedar and coal, of shipping and trade, of public works and industry.

These basic features and their history contribute to the uniqueness of modem Newcastle;
the visible and archeological remains of the past constitute a valuable national resource
that can boost Newcastle's commercial revitalitalision.

In preparation for the 1997 celebration, that unique heritage should be recognised as the
basic framework for planning the future development of Newcastle's Old Town.

STRATEGY

1. Jdentify, assign a heritage value and map the complete hierarchy of all significant
heritage elements to reveal the historical roots of the modem city. These elements
include the natural features, buildings and other places of historic or cultural
importance.

2. Upon this basis, determine a Master Plan and Management Plan to protect and enhance
the heritage importance of Old Town as a national asset.

3. Council's height and urban design codes to be implemented in Old Town in a way that
is consistent with its heritage character, especially in the case of buildings erected on
now vacant sites.

4. Council approval of development applications and building applications for existing

buildings to have due regard for the need to preserve not just heritage facades but also
heritage interiors.

5. Funding to be coordinated by representatives of all three levels of government.

 HERITAGE INTERPRETATION STRATEGY

PROBLEM

The history of Old Town and its relationship with the Hunter Region is fundamental to
the identity of Newcastle and a vital asset in the renewal process.

The existing Regional, Maritime and Military museums lack resources and professional
services and operate in seeming isolation from any strategy for revitalisation of the city.
There is not yet an interpretive approach to presenting the history of Newcastle and Old
Town.

OPPORTUNITY

In preparation for 1997, it is now urgent to plan how Newcastle's history and its living
heritage can be presented to citizens and visitors in a stimulating and informative way.
Using the most up-to-date techniques, the emphasis should be upon interpretation of sites,
preservation of buildings, and display of artefacts.

STRATEGY

1. The task of coordinating heritage interpretation falls logically within the scope of
the Regional Museum. Funding to cover the salary of a full-time Director of
Heritage Services should be sought from Local and State Government.

2. An early task of such a coordinator should be to prepare a pamphlet "Caretakers

of Newcastle's Heritage: A Corporate Responsibility".

3. Commonwealth and NSW governments should take the lead by documenting,

interpreting and presenting the heritage buildings which they occupy.

4. Occupants of heritage buildings and sites should be encouraged to take pride in

their role as custodians of part of Newcastle's heritage and, if possible, present
some form of interpretive display with public access and a take-away pamphlet.

5. An annual award for heritage presentation would be an excellent incentive..

6. The Local Studies section of the Public Library and the Regional Museum should
be given some additional resources and allowed to charge a fee-for-service to
enable them to play an active role in providing documentation, photographs and
advice and expertise on modern techniques of presentation and interpretation.

7. The Convict Stockade Site and relics be recognised as a new and prime heritage
focus for visitors and education and their presentation and interpretation be the
central feature of a site management plan incorporating the adjacent Station-
master's Residence and Paymaster's Office.
8. The challenge of documenting, interpreting and presenting the wealth and diversity
of the history and heritage of the Hunter Region would justify Commonwealth
government funding for a diploma course in Museology at the University of
Newcastle. This would enable the University to become a centre of expertise
within a training ground as rich as anywhere in Australia.

9. In view of Newcastle's continuing importance as a major world port, all levels of

government must, as a matter of urgency, cooperate to find a suitable permanent
location(s) for the Maritime Museum and then provide a sufficient level of funding
to enable the materials in its possession to be presented and developed to inter-
national standard.

10. Following relocation of the Maritime Museum, Fort Scratchley should receive
Commonwealth funding to achieve an international standard of presentation as a
historic fortification and Military Museum (see also Site Strategy IV.1).

11. The presentation of heritage sites must be associated with planning for site access
by individuals, families and groups (see also Traffic Strategy) and provision of
adequate support facilities such as conveniences, eating, shopping and accom-
modation (see also Commercial, Tourism strategies).

12. The heritage attractions of Old Town must be presented in an attractive brochure
with maps and self-guided walks. The brochure Newcastle Heritage Walks
produced in the late-1970s by Council in conjunction with the National Trust and
professional organisations, community representatives and commercial sponsors
should now be revised and updated.
 CULTURAL STRATEGY

PROBLEM

Old Town has lost most of the bustle and vitality that once made it a busy and exciting
place for people of all ages as well as a favoured holiday destination for people of the
Hunter Valley.

The shift from public to private transport and the consequent relocation of work and social
activities have led to a downward spiral: loss of jobs, decline of retailing in the east end
of Hunter Street; loss of entertainment (Hunter Street pubs, the Strand theatre, dances at
Tyrrell Hall), fewer eating places and, for all of these reasons, fewer people.

OPPORTUNITY

Old Town still has a superb location. Pacific Park could be revived as the focus of a
wide range of social and cultural activities that would restore its former standing as a busy
gathering place.

STRATEGY

1. Pacific Park should be revived as the gathering place in the East End with a
greater orientation towards Newcastle Beach, the Foreshore and the commercial
axis of Hunter Street.

2. The key to this revival is a program of regular live performance, such as street
theatre, music, and other festival-type activities.

3. Such a program would be complemented by market stalls, especially at weekends

and on summer evenings, and open air dining along Pacific Street, which should
be closed to traffic and paved over.

4. Safe playground areas should be provided to enhance Old Town's attractions for
family recreation.

5. These activities will generate business around Pacific Street and the East End of
Hunter Street for a greater variety of small eating places and specialty retail shops
(see also Commercial Strategy).

6. Adjacent hotels/motels have a role to play in presenting entertainment that attracts

a wider group of patrons than their own staying guests (who should be encouraged
to explore activities beyond the hotel walls).

7. Such a strategy will involve adjacent residents, beachgoers, hotel guests and
tourists in activities which are not confined to the 9-5 working day but extend into
the evening and intensify at weekends, especially in summer.
8. Excavation and presentation of the Convict Stockade site and building of the
stairway between the Foreshore and Stevenson Place at Telford Street will better
connect the Foreshore and Newcastle Beach through Pacific Park.

9. To counter the trend whereby rising rents are forcing artists out of Newcastle East,
Council should identify buildings in Old Town suitable for conversion to
accommodation, studio and exhibition spaces for artists.

10. Courts Sailors' Home (88 Scott St, 1882) is suitable in terms of its maritime
heritage, location, size and spaces for a permanent home for the Newcastle
Maritime Museum. A feasibility study should be undertaken.

11. Some heritage buildings in Old Town may be suitable for use as part of a city
campus of the University of Newcastle.
 COMMERCIAL STRATEGY
PROBLEM

Uncoordinated decision-making has seen the city centre lose thousands of public sector
jobs in the Public Works Department, Cityrail, Royal Newcastle Hospital, Customs and
the Maritime Services Board. Loss or transfer of these jobs to elsewhere in the city has
eroded the traditional retail customer base.

Obstacles to commercial revitalisation include:

1. Lack of clusters of compatible activities to attract visitors, especially in the east

end of Hunter Street

2. Lack of range and quality in goods and services that would establish the Old Town
as a unique shopping destination

3. Lack of City Circle bus to provide access to city parking stations (Wharf Road,
King Street West and East, David lones, Bolton Street)

4. Too many 'dead spots' in the fonn of vacant sites and derelict buildings and a
perception of 'no man's land' east of Pacific Street.

OPPORTUNITY

This Community Vision and Strategy provides the basis for redefining the role of the old
CBn and attracting new customers but its success will depend upon private investment
in a range of complementary retail, eating and entertainment facilities and also in
residential accommodation.

TARGET CONSUMERS

1. Residents of the East End, The Hill and 'shop-top' apartments

2. Local specialty shoppers
3. Beachgoers (seasonal)
4. University students in former hospital buildings
5. 'Cultural tourists' (mainly from Central Coast, Sydney)
6. Hotel guests ('business tourists')

MARKET NEEDS

1. Specialty shopping (quality clothing, accessories, gifts, music and books, health
foods, delicatessens, patisseries, flowers and plants)

2. Heritage and cultural items of local significance (e.g. arts and crafts, music, books,
specialty clothes, antiques and fittings, cards, tourist information and souvenirs)

3. Eating and drinking across a wide range, from take-away to luxury dining, with
the emphasis upon informal cafe and bistro style with outdoor tables

4. Improved facilities and shopping hours for inner city residents (especially
groceries, fruit and vegetables, hardware)
STRATEGY

1. Define Old Town as a specialised commercial precinct.

2. Apply for funding of a Mainstreet program.

3. Compile and advertise a register of vacant commercial properties with details of

lease, rent, outgoings, and agent.

4. Review rents (for public and private properties) and Council rates in the CBD to
promote renovation and better utilisation of existing buildings.

5. Increase the customer base of inner city residents by promoting restoration and
recycling of buildings, including use of upper floors as 'shop-top' housing.

6. Encourage an appropriate mix of shops, especially in the East End of Hunter Street

7. Encourage greater variety and quality of cafes, bistros, restaurants (including open
air venues) at the East End of Hunter Street and Pacific Street.

8. Promote weekend shopping and dining in Old Town, especially Sunday trading.

9. Review restrictions on shop-front signs and displays and encourage attractive

signage that would add life and colour.

10. Review accessibility for elderly and disabled people; improve availability and
cleanliness of toilets (on- and off-street); also provide better facilities and extended
hours for changing and feeding children.

11. Convert north side of Hunter Street East to angle parking; landscape south side.

12. Replace parking meters by short-tenn parking (max 2 hours) and police short-term
use by marking tyres.

13. Heritage Centre to include a Visitor Infonnation Centre for Old Town to draw
people into the East End of Hunter Street (see Heritage Precinct Ill).

14. Newcastle Railway Station to remain in use as a rail tenninus and its upper floors
to be developed for public use (see also Traffic and Tourism strategies and Site
Strategy 1.3).

15. Part of upper floors of Newcastle Railway Station to be converted to a

Backpackers or Youth hostel (see also Site Strategy 1.3).

16. Identify buildings suitable for clean but moderately priced bed-and-breakfast
accommodation (see also Tourism Strategy).
 NEIGHBOURHOOD STRATEGY

PROBLEM

Residents of Newcastle East and The Hill have no formal role in the planning process as
it affects their part of the City. Newcastle City Council has appointed the business-
oriented City Centre Committee to oversee planning of the full length of Hunter Street,
including the old CBD, but in practice the area east of the Mall has been neglected.

SPECIFIC RESIDENT CONCERNS

1. Protection and improvement of the character, environment and amenity of

Newcastle East and The Hill in the face of development pressures.

2. Traffic reduction and calming along residential streets, especially of buses and
heavy vehicles that are dangerous, noisy and polluting.

3. Guarantee of continuing access by rail to and from Newcastle Station.

4. Upgraded daily shopping facilities

5. Provision of meeting/function venues with public access.

6. An effective role for residents on planning and decision-making bodies determining

the future of Old Town.

OPPORTUNITY

The term 'urban village' identifies the recognition in modern urban planning that viable
inner city residential communities can make a major contribution to the vitality and
character of the adjacent central business district with benefits to both residents and
commercial interests.

STRATEGY

1. In line with the Urban Design Code, recognise the heritage character of
Newcastle East and The Hill and with clear procedures to ensure that (re)
developments are compatible with that character.

2. Actively encourage recycling of commercial buildings and conversion of

upper stories of commercial premises for residential occupancy.
3. Identify sites suitable for inner city housing clusters.

4. Prepare, in consultation with resident groups and landscaping experts, street

landscape plans compatible with the character of the local environment.

5. Consultation with resident groups on provision of safe playing areas for children
(not available in small backyards).

6. Proclamation of Newcastle East as a light traffic zone and, in conjunction with

local resident groups, a planning to reduce further through traffic along residential
streets; also no further alienation of land for non-resident parking.

7. Newcastle Buses to prepare a strategy and timetable for reduction of bus

movements along Scott Street east of Watt Street by turning around more buses
at Newcastle Station (north side).

8. In conjunction with introduction of light traffic zoning, private buses to be

excluded from movements and standing along Telford Street, Stevenson Place and
Parnell Place.

9. Retention of full rail services to Newcastle Station.

10. Retain basic medical services at Royal Newcastle Hospital and restore a casualty
service (Hunter Area Health Service).

11. Compile a register of buildings with facilities that could at low or modest cost be
used on a regular or occasional basis for meetings by community organisations
and encourage such facilities to be made available.

12. Ensure proper community representation on Council planning bodies such as the
City Centre Committee and Harbour Foreshore Committee that affect community
interests. Community representation on Council's Future Visions Committee has
shown the benefits of closer liaison.
 TRAFFIC STRATEGY

PROBLEM

Newcastle Old Town was laid out as a mainly pedestrian precinct whose accessibility
relied very heavily upon public transport. It has never had the space to accommodate
large volumes of traffic and parking - indeed there is very little scope for off-street
parking even for residents. Measures to facilitate traffic flow and increase car parking
continue to undermine Old Town's character and amenity.

OPPORTUNITY

The attractions and character of Old Town can be enhanced by safe pedestrian precincts
and slow traffic zones; intmsion of non-resident traffic and parking can be reduced by
better access by public transport.

STRATEGY

1. As a focal point of Old Town, Pacific Park should become a pedestrian precinct with
closure of Pacific Street; pedestrian flow should be enhanced along the axis between
the Foreshore, Pacific Park and Newcastle Beach (see also Cultural Strategy).

2. The entire precinct east of Watt Street should become a light traffic zone with vehicle
speed restricted to 20 kph to ensure pedestrian priority. Buses (private and public)
should be allowed conditional exemption but restricted to the same speed and excluded
from residential streets such as Stevenson Place, Parnell Place and Telford Street
(see also Neighbourhood Strategy).

3. The Hill (south of King Street) should also be a light traffic zone with speeds
restricted to 40 kph along Church Street, Tyrrell Street and cross streets.

4. No parking stations to be built in residential streets.

5. Full suburban and express Sydney/Central Coast rail services to be retained to

Newcastle Station with upgraded facilities including convenient transfer on harbour
side to buses, taxis and private vehicles (See also Site Strategy 1.3).

6. Improved integration between rail, bus and ferry services by means of a) integrated
scheduling, published timetables and ticketing, b) a City Circle bus to link carparks,
railway stations and the ferry terminal with main passenger destinations, and c) safe
cross-over points at interchanges, especially Civic and Newcastle stations.

7. Better siting and design of sheltered bus stops, especially next to Pacific Park and at
Newcastle Station.

8. Newcastle Buses to prepare a strategy to reduce the presently quite excessive number
of bus movements along Scott Street east of Watt Street by turning around more buses
on harbour side of Newcastle Station (see also #5 above).

9. Newcastle and Civic stations to provide integrated public transport timetables, city
maps and tourist pamphlets.
 TOURISM STRATEGY

PROBLEM

Newcastle's great potential as a tourist destination in its own right has yet to be
recognised, presented and marketed in an appropriate way.

OPPORTUNITY

Old Town has all the elements of an important tourist destination. Within a small
precinct, it combines the natural attractions of the harbour, ocean beaches and King
Edward Park with a rich built heritage having Aboriginal and convict roots and a dynamic
maritime connection.

TARGET MARKET

1. The obvious tourist market is that of domestic day-return visitors, especially from
Sydney and the Central Coast. Successful penetration of this market will lead to
more overnight and international visitors.

2. The key selling point is the unique heritage character of Old Town in a striking
natural and maritime setting. People living in concrete-and-glass jungles like
modem Sydney appreciate and actively seek out urban environments of an older
style and human scale.

STRATEGY

1. The separate elements of Old Town must be knitted together in an attractive

package that positions it in the Sydney/Central Coast market as a highly
competitive visitor destination.

2. Old Town heritage sites must be made accessible to visitors and imaginatively
presented in a way that explains their historic importance. Pamphlets identifying
these sites, suggesting walks and locating facilities must be available both on site
and for promotion (see also Heritage Presentation Strategy).

3. Because visitors expect to find opportunities for good wining and dining, attention
must be given to upgrading the availability and quality of cafes, bistros and
restaurants.

4. Greater comfort and convenience must be provided in the form of attractive

lavatories, sheltered resting places and public seats.
5. Although visitors expect to find opportunities for interesting shopping, at present
Old Town offers little that could not readily be found elsewhere. Local arts and
crafts and Hunter Valley wines should be readily available.

6. Easy access is crucial. Properly marketed, rail offers the most convenient and
exciting access to Old Town Newcastle from Sydney and the Central Coast: the
striking initial experience of pulling in by train beside the harbour and arriving at
a heritage station next to the Customs House plaza is in marked contrast with the
jaundiced first impressions of those who arrive by road. Newcastle Station should
be a selling point with an Information Centre and eating facilities (see also Site
Strategy 1.3). However, car drivers and coaches must also be catered for with
clear directions as to access routes and availability of parking.

7. Excursion steam train services between Maitland and Newcastle Station should be
a regular weekend feature.

8. Although the initial marketing focus should be upon day-trips, overnight

accommodation urgently needs to be upgraded. Old Town should be marketed
primarily to domestic tourists, whose incomes and requirements are typically more
modest than international, business or conference tourists. Attention should be
given to the availability of a wide price/quality range of accommodation, including
bed-and-breakfast and backpackers' hostel. There is recognised scope for vacant
student rooms to be made available as vacation accommodation for young people
and low-budget conference delegates.

9. Once assembled, the tourist package must be targeted and marketed in an

imaginative but realistic way. The fact that so few Sydneysiders have ever visited
'Old Town' Newcastle and have such a negative view of the city can be turned to
advantage: 'Have you seen Newcastle recently?'; 'When you visit the Hunter
Valley, come in by the front door'.
 P4RTBI
I
I

HERITAGE PRE~INCT STRATEGIES

I

i
i
I

For the purpose of planning, Old ITown can usefully be sub-divided into
five key heritage precincts. Eac~ of these precincts contains a series of
important heritage sites.

Each heritage precinct thereforei represents a group of major heritage

sites or buildings that can be in*grated as a major visitor feature.
I

Put together, the five heritage ~recincts can generate a circulation of

people around and through the ertire Old Town.
I

The five heritage precincts are ar follows:

I FORESHORE: STATION- CUSfOMS HOUSE- STOCKADE - BONDSTORE

11 PACIFIC PARK: STOCKADEI- PACIFIC PARK - NORTH WING RNH

i
i
i

III COMMERCIAL: HUNTER S~REET (EAST END)

!

IV MARITIME: NOBBYS - PILO~ STATION - FORT - OLD GAOL SITE

i

V HILL: JAMES FLETCHER HpSPITAL - OBELISK - CATHEDRAL

i

Focal points within these preci~cts are covered by Site Strategies

(PART C)
 I

I. FORESH~RE PRECINCT
RAIL STATION· CUSTOMS HOUSE· STOCKADE - BOND STORE

PROBLEM

The great visitor potential of NewcastIe'$ most important heritage precinct, the key link
between the foreshore and the city, has ~ot yet been realised.

The Convict Stockade site remains a i wasteland. The Stationmaster's Residence,

Paymaster's Office, the upper floors of Newcastle Railway Station and Menken's fine
Earp Gillam bond store are all derelict. the Customs House is still undergoing repair of
massive earthquake damage and it re~ains problematic to what extent there will
eventually be public access to the buildi~g.

OPPORTUNITY

To develop, as a link between the fore~hore and the city, a major heritage precinct
featuring important buildings and sites wbich reflect the evolution of Newcastle.
I

STRATEGY

1. Assemble all relevant documentat~on on the precinct including the winning entry
from the Landscape and Urban D~sign Competition of 1981, the Conservation
Policy for the Stockade, Station M~ster's Residence and Pay Master's Office, and
the People's Plan for the foreshort land in Newcastle East.

2. Chart on a base map all historic an~ architectural features, including railway lines.
!

3. Prepare a master plan for the heri~age precinct which includes an attractive
unifying landscape design and a 4fe, well-designed pattern of pedestrian
movement to link the precinct witp the Foreshore, the Station and the CBD.
I
i

4. Document all necessary works, es~imate costs and develop a timetable for
implementation.

5. Newcastle City Council to seek Hiistoric Site status for the Convict Stockade (see
Site Strategy 1.1).

6. Prepare an attractive brochure to ~romote the tourist and heritage value of this
precinct and explain its significan~e to the development of the city of Newcastle.
I

SEE ALSO SITE STRATEGIES NOS. d, 1.2, 1.3

 11. PACIFIC PARK PRECINCT
STOCKADE - PACIFIC PARK - ROYAL NEWCASTLE HOSPITAL

PROBLEM

Transfer of most of the services and staff of Royal Newcastle Hospital, followed by
specialists in private practice, has left many vacant or underutilised buildings and has been
another severe blow to the vitality of this once busy precinct.

OPPORTUNITY

1. Pacific Park, the hospital buildings, the surrounding residential and commercial
buildings and nearby beaches have great potential for integration as a busy precinct with
medical, educational, residential, commercial and recreational facilities.

2. Integrated planning and sensitive restoration of the group of heritage buildings around
Pacific Park and adjacent to the beaches is essential to preserve the axis that runs from
the Foreshore through the Convict Stockade site to Pacific Park and the hospital.

STRATEGY

1. Pacific Park to be revitalised as the focal point and gathering place for 'Old Town'
Newcastle (see also Cultural, Traffic strategies)

2. Council to complete the design of Pacific Park and produce an integrated landscape
plan for the entire precinct, including closure of Pacific Street.

3. Council to insist upon the preservation and integrity of the historic hospital
buildings, especially the North Wing, Wheeler House and the former Newcastle
Club building.

4. RNH to be retained as a District Hospital and specialist Orthopaedic Centre of

international standing. Casualty services should be adequate to meet the needs of
inner city residents, workers and visitors (including beachgoers).

5. Earthquake insurance funds to be used to restore buildings on the site; extra funds
to be sought from state and federal governments.

6. The future use of the site formerly occupied by the York Wing to be consistent
with the character and needs of Old Town and the Pacific Park precinct.

7. The rental housing shortage in the inner city (especially for students) to be given
special attention in planning the recycling of the former Nurses Home, Wheeler
House and the North Wing.

8. The now underutilised Maddison Building to be examined for its suitability as a

seminar and conference centre and as part of an inner city campus of the
University of Newcastle.
 Ill. COMMERCIAL PRECINCT
HUNTER STREET (EAST END)

PROBLEM

The heritage buildings in the historic CBD are a valuable heritage resource that define the
character and streetscape of Old Town. Yet a number of historic buildings such as the
old Westpac Bank, Carrington Chambers and George Hotel have already been demolished,
some have been damaged by unsympathetic internal renovation and others, such as the
Longworth Institute and old City Baths, remain neglected. Public buildings such as the
fonner Police and Public Works Department buildings and the Post Office have been well
conserved but are not being used in any way that attracts visitors to Old Town.

OPPORTUNITY

Sympathetic renovation and recycling of buildings in the old CBD will reinforce this
precinct's distinctive commercial identity and underpin a commercial revival of Old Town.

STRATEGY

1. Council to apply for funding of a Main Street program for the East End of Hunter St.

2. The Heritage Centre (fonner Police Station) and fonner Public Works Department
(original Post Office and Telegraph Office) buildings must be retained as public
facilities. The Heritage Centre, combining a Visitor Infonnation Centre, Environment
Centre and Police (Penology) Museum, should open seven days a week as the prime
visitor magnet in the East End of Hunter Street. The PWD buildings should be fitted
out like a mini-Argyle Centre and perhaps include small exhibitions on the local history
of the Telegraph and Public Works.

3. In the course of carrying out earthquake repairs to the Post Office, Australia Post
should ensure that public access is provided to a part of the building where a small
pennanent exhibition can be mounted on the history of the Postal Service in Newcastle,
the present Post Office and earlier buildings on the site.

4. Council to liaise with private owners of buildings at the East End to ensure sympathetic
restoration.

5. Council to extend the Mall eastwards by paving and landscaping Hunter Street as far
as Watt Street.

6. Council to review traffic and parking arrangements in the East End of the CBD to
increase the availability of short-term parking (see also Commercial Strategy).

7. Council/City Centre Committee to promote a mix of retailing in the East End that is
more consistent with the heritage character of this precinct and fits together as a
cluster likely to attract shoppers and visitors (see also Commercial Strategy).

8. Restoration of heritage buildings like the Longworth Institute, City Baths and the Art
Deco City Arcade.
 IV. MARITIME PRECINCT

NOBBYS • PILOT STATION· FORT SCRATCHLEY· OLD GAOL SITE

PROBLEM

The unique maritime-oriented attractions of Newcastle East are either closed to the public
or minimally presented: Nobbys Lighthouse is closed; Fort Scratchley is neither a proper
Maritime Museum nor a proper Military Museum; the lifeboat 'Victoria' languishes
behind wire in an ugly brick shed; the old, stone Boat Harbour at the pilot station is
hidden behind a high fence; the last uncovered bases of the old steam cranes are
unacknowledged, as also the old pilots' cottages (Boatmen's Row) along Nobbys Road;
the site of the spring at Shortland's camp site is buried beneath modem apartment blocks;
the Old Gaol site is forgotten. If the tugs and pilot station are relocated to the Dyke End,
the Foreshore will lose its last link with the working port. The area is redolent of
Newcastle's history but most of it remains invisible to visitors.

OPPORTUNITY

The natural features, built heritage and maritime importance of the sites that lie in the
precinct between the Foreshore,. Nobbys, Fort Scratchley and the Old Gaol site could be
combined in a historic maritime precinct that complements its recreational attractions.
The pivotal role of the Pilot Station in the annual Regatta points to its potential as a
greater year-round focal point.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

Nobbys, Lighthouse (1857); convict-built Breakwater (1818); Pilot Station, stone Boat
Harbour (1866) and Torpedo-mine Chamber (1880s); old lifeboat shed (now HMAS
Tobruk); Nobbys Surf Lifesaving Pavilion; Fort Scratchley (presently including Maritime
Museum and Boat Shed); Boatmen's Row (1892) (Nobbys Road), Parnell Place; Old Gaol
site (1818); Ocean Baths (1922); Newcastle Beach

STRATEGY

1. Schedule conducted tours of Nobbys Light and Signal Station.

2. Mark with illustrated and explanatory plaques the main sites of historic
significance, including the convict-built breakwater under its original name of
Macquarie Pier.

3. Explore the possibility of public access to a small exhibition in Nobbys Surf

Lifesaving Pavilion on the history of the lifesaving service
4. Find a permanent location(s) for the Maritime Museum and redevelop the buildings
and tunnels of Fort Scratchley as a Military Museum of international standard that
explains the history of the site and the associated network of fortifications (Site
Strategy IV.l).

5. Retain tugs and pilot service in present location (Site Strategy IV.2).

6. Provide public access to the old Boat Harbour and torpedo-mine chamber at the
Pilot Station and combine it with a small exhibition on the history and mode of
operation of the Pilot Service (Site Strategy IV.2).

7. Explore the feasibility of displaying the lifeboat 'Victoria' near to its original
location in the complex of buildings around the Boat Harbour and with explanation
of its role and exploits (Site Strategy IV.2).

8. Nominate the Old Gaol site now occupied by the Bus Depot and adjacent motel
as an archeological site of national importance protected from further building
work until it becomes available for excavation (Site Strategy IV.3).

9. Point out the historic importance of the Soldiers' Baths (next to Nobbys Beach),
the restored Ocean Baths (1922) and the Wading Pool; complete earthquake repairs
to the facade of the Ocean Baths

10. Council to prepare a small pamphlet that explains the historic importance of this
precinct and which can be used for self-guided walks.
 v. HILL PRECINCT
JAMES FLETCHER HOSPITAL· OBELISK - CATHEDRAL· K.ED. PARK

PROBLEM

Although a residential precinct of great character with many heritage sites and buildings,
The Hill has yet to gain recognition as an integral part of Old Town and as a visitor
attraction in its own right. Its most important complex of buildings, the former Military
Barracks (l840s) that now comprise the lames Fletcher Hospital are little known and
inaccessible to the public; the Cathedral Tower is closed to the public because of
earthquake damage; few sites or buildings carry heritage documentation; no pamphlets are
available to guide visitors on walks.

OPPORTUNITY

The spectacular views from The Hill combined with its rich heritage provide an attraction
which people would visit either for its many historic buildings or to stroll and picnic in
its parks.

MAIN FEATURES

From East to West: Old Council ChamberslUnited Services Club (1884), Rose Cottage
(1828), Buchanan Terraces and Grand Hotel (1891) and Court House (1890) (all adjacent
to lower Church Street); lames Fletcher Hospital (former military barracks and parade
ground - 1840s); Jesmond House (c.1870); Obelisk; King Edward Park, Rotunda, old
mineshaft and Bogey Hole; The Terrace; St Mary's Star of the Sea Church (1866);
Newcastle East Public School (1878); original AA shaft site; Christ Church cathedral and
grounds (Upper Church Street) etc.

STRATEGY

1. Continue restoration of the barracks buildings in lames Fletcher Hospital and allow
controlled public access with an explanatory pamphlet (see also Site Strategy V.I).

2. Complete earthquake repairs on Christ Church Cathedral, reopen tower to the public
and improve documentation of cathedral grounds (see also Site Strategy V.2).

3. Improve signposting to and documentation of heritage sites and buildings and produce
a pamphlet for self-guided walks around The Hill.

4. Prepare a plan for restoration, conservation and display of Shepherd's Hill Cottage
(c.1890) and the adjacent fortifications (see also Precinct IV).

5. Reduce traffic speeds along Church, Tyrrell and Newcomen street 40 kph.

6. Arrange and publicise a regular summer weekend program of music in the Rotunda
(NCC/Conservatorium)
 SITE STRATEGY 1.1111.1

CONVICT STOCKADE SITE

SIGNIFICANCE

The most important unexcavated convict site in NSW

Probably one of the oldest industrial sites in NSW

POTENTIAL

Newcastle's most important tourist attraction

Intersection of the Foreshore Heritage Precinct (I) and the Pacific Park Heritage Precinct
(II)

SITE STRATEGY

1. Determine upon professional advice a Site Management Plan, incorporating the

adjacent Stationmaster's Residence and Paymaster's Office.

2. On the basis of this Site Management Plan, seek public and private funding to enable
significant progress to be made with excavation of the stockade site by 1997.

3. The Site Management Plan must include as the central element a strategy for
presentation and interpretation of the stockade site while excavation is in progress, with
particular attention to the history of the site, the techniques of excavation and the
display of artefacts.

4. The Stationmaster's Residence is a historic building in its own right and high priority
should be given to its stabilisation and restoration.

5. Council to apply to the NSW government for the Stockade site to be granted the
official status of a Historic Site.

6. Any commercial facilities located on or immediately adjacent to the stockade site to

be presented in a way that is sensitive to the site's heritage importance.

SITE DETAILS

Located on the edge of pre-settlement foreshore with traces of Aboriginal occupation

One of the oldest convict sites in NSW not obliterated by development

Preliminary dig uncovered traces of both early Aboriginal occupation and early European
indusnial activity
 SITE STRATEGY 1.2

CUSTOMS HOUSE

SIGNIFICANCE

Most notable heritage building on the Newcastle Foreshore and as much a Newcastle
landmark as Nobbys

Focal point of Old Town from the Foreshore

Symbolises Newcastle as a destination for rail travellers

Epitomises Newcastle's rich maritime heritage

POTENTIAL

The best vantage point from which to introduce visitors to maritime Newcastle and point
to other features around the Foreshore and Harbour

A public exhibition area within the building would be an excellent way to explain to
visitors the history and importance of maritime Newcastle

Plaza ideal for open air performance (especially in summer)

Focal point for for promotion of rail day-trips to Newcastle

SITE STRATEG Y

1. Commonwealth to complete earthquake restoration to heritage guidelines

2. Commonwealth to ensure that future use of the building is compatible with its
location, heritage value and its maritime importance

3. Commonwealth to ensure that the building remains in public ownership and that
any lessee(s) of the building are required to set aside an exhibition area that
introduces visitors to aspects of the maritime history of Newcastle; such an
exhibition might focus upon both the role of the Customs Service in Newcastle's
evolving trade and the changing harbour scene from the Customs House.

SITE DETAILS

Built 1877; extended 1898-1900; upper floors since much altered

National Trust classification
Until 1960s adjacent to working wharves
Until 1989 earthquake, still used as Customs Office
 SITE STRATEGY 1.3

NEWCASTLE RAILWAY STATION

SIGNIFICANCE

Valuable heritage buildings recently restored (exterior and ground floor) and still in
original use

Rail terminal (5 working platforms) serving the major Hunter Valley and
Sydney/Central Coast corridors

Location at heart of Old Town with ready access to the Foreshore, city beaches,
hospital and professional services, schools and residential communities

Average daily use throughout year approx. 5000 passengers and preferred mode of
public transport especially for young and old people

POTENTIAL

Ability to bring large numbers of people to heart of Old Town without traffic
congestion

Excellent marketing opportunity for day visitors from Sydney/Central Coast

Upper floors with superb harbour views ideal for refurbishment as facilities to
complement the passenger service

Opportunity to use part of upper floor area for public exhibition on the history and
current role of railways in Newcastle area

SITE STRATEGY

1. CityRail to retain and upgrade rail services to Newcastle Station; a fast and
comfortable Newcastle Flyer to be reinstated as a regular express service from
the Central Coast and Sydney (see also Traffic Strategy).

2. Provide ground floor Visitor Information Service to provide public transport

information and Old Town brochure with map, facility and walking guide
(detailed information from Visitor Information Centre in Heritage Centre in
Hunter Street, see Heritage Precinct Ill).

3. CityRail to renovate and lease out upper stories for facilities that will add to the
convenience and comfort of rail travel and enhance the station's function as a
meeting place: for example, a dining room, coffee lounge and backpacker
accommodation for young visitors most likely to travel by train. As built, the
station was fitted out with overnight passenger accommodation.
4. CityRail to maintain the station in accordance with its heritage importance,
including return and restoration of early rail furniture now replaced by
inappropriate modem red seats.

5. CityRail to explore with local rail historians the setting up of an exhibition in

upstairs rooms on Newcastle's long railway history

6. Cityrail in conjunction with Council to develop a marketing strategy to promote

daytrips by rail to Newcastle

7. Excursion steam trains to run to Newcastle as a regular weekend feature.

SITE DETAILS

1878 opening of main building (with balcony onto Scott Street)

1890s Refreshment Room and other alterations
1920s (late) further additions/alterations
1980s (early) restoration of ground floor and platforms (electrification)
National Trust classification
Five operational platforms
Serves all stations along Maitland (Dungog) and Fassifern/C. Coast/Sydney corridor
Centre of operations management under Station Master
Vacant upper two floors originally designed as accommodation, later converted to
offices
 SITE STRATEGY IL2

NORTH WING (RNH)

SIGNIFICANCE

Site of a hospital since 1818. The present North Wing defines the boundary of the
Pacific Park precinct and makes the focal point of the crucial axis from the Foreshore
through the Convict Stockade site to Pacific Park.

An example of the Federation Free Classical style; one of the early buildings designed
by government architect a.M. McRae (architect of Sydney's Queen Victoria Building).

Classified by the Heritage Council under a Section 130 Order; heritage value
recognised in Council's Urban Design Study, by the Heritage Branch of the
Department of Planning and by the National Trust.

POTENTIAL

Ideally situated close to city amenities, beaches and public transport with a prime
frontage onto Pacific Park, the building can be integrated with and made a feature of
any redevelopment on the site of the recently demolished York Wing.

SITE STRATEG Y

1. No removal or weakening of heritage orders on the building; commitment to the

principles and practices of the Burra charter in its repair and restoration.

2. Repair of damage caused by the earthquake and the demolition of the adjacent
'NenP Wing.
\ t, , -i;,

3. The North Wing to be recycled for use as a hotel, housing or offices as

recommended in the Feasibility Stuoy and development of the adjacent York Wing
site be compatible with its heritage· importance and strategic location~

SITE DETAILS

1817 first hospital on site: original building convict-built

1865 new and larger hospital
1917 completion of North Wing featuring large, open Nightingale wards leading onto
verandahs and ablution areas in octagonal towers
1938 renovated, verandahs enclosed
1981 listed under Heritage Act
1989 damaged in earthquake
1990 lift and stair tower demolished with adjacent York Wing
 SITE STRATEGY 111.1

HERITAGE CENTRE & PUBLIC WORKS BUILDINGS

SIGNIFICANCE

Among Newcastle's most historic NSW Government buildings, representing a long

tradition of police, posts and telegraphs and public works

POTENTIAL

Fully restored and with an appropriate mix of activities, including a Visitor

Information Centre, these buildings could be a focal point for visitors to the
Commercial Precinct of Old Town.

STRATEGY

1. NSW Government to complete restoration and maintenance according to

heritage guidelines

2. Management body to be reconstituted with broader community representation

3. Ground floor of former Heritage Centre to serve in part as a Visitor

Information Centre

4. Upper floor to be fitted out as an centre for environment, heritage and

community groups.

5. Establishment of a small Museum of Penology around former cells

6. Former Public Works Department Buildings to be fitted out for specialty

shopping and arts and crafts similar to the Argyle Centre and with a small
exhibition on Newcastle's history of Posts and Telegraphs and Public Works

SITE DETAILS

1859 Construction of original Police Building (1 storey)

1861 Opening of original Post and Telegraph Office (middle building)
1872 Opening of separate Post Office (single storey) on Watt Street corner
1881 Cells fitted to Police Building
1886 Post Office rebuilt with upper storey and portico
1892 Police Building rebuilt with upper storey and new facade
1904 Post Office and Telegraph offices relocated to present Post Office and buildings
taken over by Public Works Department
1986 Police building vacated for restoration; restored by NSW Government as
Heritage Centre with meeting facilities and Wilderness Society shop
1989 Earthquake damage
 SITE STRATEGY IV.!

FORT SCRATCHLEY

SIGNIFICANCE

Though much altered from its natural state, Flagstaff Hill is one of Newcastle's most
familiar topographic features. Offering commanding 360 degree views, it has been a
lookout for the security of Newcastle since first settlement.

Fort Scratchley, built from 1880, is the only example in NSW of a closed-work fort
complex apart from Bare Is. at Botany Bay

Command centre for coastal fortifications in World Wars I and II and in continuous
military occupation until 1972

POTENTIAL

An intact military fortification of great historic importance with ample scope for
development into a Military Museum that would be a major tourist attraction and a
highlight of any visit to Newcastle

SITE STRATEGY

1. Recognise Fort Scratchley as a significant part of the National Estate.

2. Relocation of the Maritime Museum to a more suitable permanent home will allow
the Fort to be exhibited in its own right as a historic military installation.

3. Top priority for Commonwealth funding for the 1997 Bicentenary should be
establishment of the Fort as a Museum that interprets the evolution of the site in
the context of trends in military technology, changing needs of coastal defence and
the strategic importance of Newcastle and the Hunter Valley.

4. Council and the Commonwealth should immediately enlist expertise to draw up a

site management plan that preserves the integrity of the site, allows public access
to as much of the site as possible, including the little-known tunnels, and applies
the latest techniques of interpretation.

5. Commonwealth funds should be earmarked as soon as possible to begin research

and restoration of the on-site buildings.

SITE DETAILS

1804 site of coal-fired beacon

1822 establishment of signal station (1869 new flagstaff)
1880 commencement of major fortification works
1886 new barracks
1972 handed over to civilian authority (now in care of NCC)
 SITE STRATEGY IV.2

PILOT STATION

SIGNIFICANCE

The Pilot Service is one of the oldest traditions of the port. The pilot station contains
important heritage features which are little known and inaccessible to the public.

POTENTIAL

The Pilot Station and adjacent tug berths now represent the only maritime activity
along the Foreshore and should be retained. There should be some public access to the
heritage features of the Pilot Station, most notably the old Boat Harbour and torpedo
mine chamber. An exhibition on the history and working of the Pilot Service would
generate much interest among visitors to the foreshore.

SITE STRATEG Y

1. Request Hunter Ports Authority (HPA) to retain the tug berths and pilot station
in their present location as a link between the foreshore and the maritime
activity of the port.

2. Negotiate with HPA and the Pilot Service a way of providing public access to
the old stone Boat Harbour (1866-73) and underground torpedo mine chamber
(l880s)

3. Assistance of Pilot Service and HPA be sought to establish on site an illustrated

display on the history of the Newcastle Pilot Service and its present mode of
operation.

4. HPA, Pilot Service, HMAS Tobruk and Maritime Museum to explore feasibility
of displaying lifeboat 'Victoria' adjacent to its former working base.
 SITE STRATEGY IV.3

CONVICT GAOL SITE

SIGNIFICANCE

The site overlooking Newcastle Beach now occupied by a motel and bus depot was
formerly the site of the Convict Gaol. This large, forbidding 'building was in use from
1818 to 1855 and then neglected until eventual demolition.

The site is fully owned by the State Government, with that part occupied by the motel
held on long-term leasehold.

POTENTIAL

Commanding a superb coastal view from Newcastle to Norah Head, the Old Gaol site
is also a major archeological site. Restored as open space, the headland would become
a major feature of Old Town.

SITE STRATEG Y

1. The site must remain fully in State Government ownership with no further granting
or extension of leases.

2. Newcastle City Council should not approve any further building works on the site
(apart from any necessary internal or external renovations to the existing motel).

3. In the event of any part of the site being vacated by Newcastle Buses, a prelim-
inary archeological investigation should be undertaken to seek to determine the
footings of the gaol building.

4. In preparation for such work, the State Government and Newcastle City Council
should provide joint funding for a detailed study of historical documenation of the
gaol and subsequent use of the site.

SITE DETAILS

1818 Completion of Gaol for housing convicts

1855 Gaol closed
1870 Gaol still standing but in poor repair
18?? Gaol demolished .
1893 Site occupied for tram (later bus) depot
196? Part of site leased out to Travelodge for construction of hotel/motel
1990 Newcastle Buses proposed to vacate bus depot
2030 Motel lease expires
 SITE STRATEGY V.1

JAMES FLETCHER HOSPITAL

SIGNIFICANCE

Oldest extant military buildings in Newcastle (1841-49). Have retained their

original configuration around the parade ground (now sportsfield)

In use as Psychiatric Hospital for over a century

POTENTIAL

Buildings are already undergoing sympathetic restoration that will establish them as
one of Australia's most important surviving military complexes and complement a
restored Fort Scratchley.

Scope to develop a fascinating exhibition on the evolution of Psychiatric Care.

SITE STRATEGY

1. With NSW Government funding and Public Works Department supervision,

continue sympathetic restoration of heritage buildings

2. Document history of the site and prepare a pamphlet as a guide to the site and
its buildings

3. Schedule and advertise regular guided tours through the site and restored
buildings. A modest fee could be charged to cover costs.

SITE DETAILS

1840 Site bought for construction of military barracks

1849 Completion of barracks
1867 Converted to a girls' reformatory (industrial school)
1871 Converted to asylum for the insane (origin of present use as psychiatric
hospital)
1965 Opening of Shortland clinic
1988 Restoration completed as Library of fomler Military Hospital (1841)
1989 Earthquake damage
1991 Heritage restoration begun of main barracks building
 SITE STRATEGY V.2

CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL

SIGNIFICANCE

Site of the earliest church in Old Town and seat of the Anglican Bishop of Newcastle
since 1847

Unusual example of a red-brick Cathedral with internal decoration of stained glass

windows, elaborate furnishings, hand-crafted hangings and some rare treasures

Grounds feature the remains of Newcastle's original cemetery and historic wooden
bell tower of American design

Newcastle's most dramatic Harbour views

POTENTIAL

The cathedral is an imponant building in its own right

Vantage point for views of the city and focal point for walks around historic
Newcastle Hill

Unique performance venue

SITE STRATEG Y

1. Better interpretation of history of Cathedral grounds in updated guidebook

2. Earthquake repairs (Diocese of Newcastle)

3. Reopen Cathedral tower to visitors

4. Compile small pictorial exhibition and leaflet on earthquake damage and techniques
of repair

5. Publicise advance program of major performances, including more frequent organ

recitals

SITE DETAILS

1881-1902 built to design of American architect Horbury Hunt on site of small church
(1818); Tower added 1979; severe eanhquake damage December 1989
Unusual self-standing wooden Bell Tower also by Horbury Hunt
Cemetery in use from 1820 until closed on health grounds and moved to Sandgate;
landscaped in late-1960s.
School Hall opposite built in 1884 by Hunt as temporary cathedral
Wolfe/King Street corner formerly Simon Kemp's cottage (dem. 1944?)